Who We Are
Mission: To uplift the residents of McElrath Park and the surrounding area. KKCC provides a variety of experiences and opportunities designed to enrich the lives of our community members.
The King Kennedy Community Center was built in 1978. At the time, the neighborhood of McElrath Park, where the center is located, was ranked one of the nation’s most underprivileged rural communities. Inspired by the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and President John F. Kennedy, a group of like-minded community members, including the McElrath Improvement Corporation (MIC), volunteers from the surrounding area, and students from Kent State University (KSU), banded together to create the King Kennedy Community Center and form a place in the community where local residents could learn and grow.
Today, King Kennedy continues to flourish. The center offers after-school tutoring, summer education programs, food assistance for youth and seniors, holiday programming, and a multitude of volunteer opportunities. In 2002, KKCC merged with Family & Community Services, Inc., helping to expand resources for KKCC. And in 2020, King Kennedy broke ground on a new gymnasium and multi-use facility that will increase programming and services to local youth.
What We Do
The King Kennedy Community Center serves all ages, with a special focus on youth and seniors. Most of these children are at-risk and come from low-income households with limited means of support. KKCC provides a safe place for youth to hang out and participate in social and educational activities. The center offers after-school tutoring, summer education programs, food assistance, and a space to host events and temporary services.
